On Saturday May 10th 2014 during the evening hours, Salton city was sandblasted by strong winds which caused the closure of highway 86 for at least a couple of hours.  These strong windstorms pass through the area from time to time especially when a Santa Ana condition develops north east of the area.  A Santa Ana condition can be described as wind blowing from inland to the coast and is caused by a High pressure zone with clockwise rotation. 

When law enforcement closed the Highway in Salton city, most of the traffic pulled into the local AM PM gas station/truck stop providing the business with more business.  A couple with two children were somewhat anxious and asked if I knew of any alternate routes.  The only one I knew of was highway 111 which makes its way north-south on the other (east) side of the Salton sea.  The sea I told them is possible to form a buffer from the blowing sand since the winds seemed to be headed in an easterly direction.  They would need to drive north about 23 miles to Ave 66 go about 3/4 mile to highway 111 and turn right (south).  I also warned them that I did not know the condition of that road and they may be wasting their time.  They told me if they could not get an update on the condition of 111 they would wait it out.

I left my home in Salton city around 8pm with my son and a friend and even that short drive was treacherous.  A description is as follows:

You would drive down the street and there is blowing sand flying across the road at ground level making the road resemble the surrounding desert.  In other words you could not see the pavement of the road and you couldn't tell where the road was.  Its similar to a road and its surroundings covered in snow. 

Although the wind howled throughout the night, we did not lose power which I found surprising.  There was no trouble, people got along with each other and understood the situation and I heard rumors of people even helping each other out. 

Again its the main reason I like Salton city.  The people there are marvelous, even its visitors!  I apologize with my computer having trouble I was not able to provide photos on this post.  I'll try to change that on my next post which hopefully will be on the long 4th of July weekend.